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For Educators

Using Wolfram|Alpha in the Classroom

Wolfram|Alpha is a free online computational knowledge engine that generates
answers to questions in real time by doing computations on its own vast internal knowledge
base. Our long-term goal is to make all systematic knowledge immediately computable and
accessible to everyone. This can be valuable to educators in many ways.

The Wolfram|Alpha Community

Join the Education group to connect with other teachers using Wolfram|Alpha in the classroom

FAQs

What is Wolfram|Alpha?

Wolfram|Alpha is a computational knowledge engine. It computes answers to specific questions on
the fly using its built-in algorithms and an ever-growing collection of data. This lets you and
your students ask questions that have never been asked or answered, and get accurate and
appropriate answers. Learn More »

How can I use Wolfram|Alpha in the classroom?

The possibilities are endless. In addition to helping students understand the steps involved in
solving calculus problems or chemistry equations Wolfram|Alpha can help answer thought-provoking
questions in science, probability/statistics, economics, finance, and myriad other subjects. To
gain a better understanding of the capabilities of Wolfram|Alpha, please explore our
examples.

What does Wolfram|Alpha cost?

Wolfram|Alpha is free for noncommercial use as described in its
Terms of Use.

Is Wolfram|Alpha reliable to use in the classroom?

Yes. Unlike a traditional search engine, Wolfram|Alpha generates answers to questions
using its own internally curated data sources. As a result, you do not have to worry
about inadvertently displaying inappropriate web content while using Wolfram|Alpha.

Can I use Wolfram|Alpha on an electronic whiteboard?

Yes. Wolfram|Alpha works very well with all modern classroom presentation tools.
For a great example, watch this video of 4th grade teacher Shannon Smith teaching
her class with Wolfram|Alpha and a Smart Board.

Is Wolfram|Alpha just an online graphing calculator?

Wolfram|Alpha can do pretty much everything that a graphing calculator can do and more.
Unlike most graphing calculators, Wolfram|Alpha can plot 3D functions, inequalities, and
many other kinds of plots. It also knows how to plot over a specific range and evaluate
a far wider range of functions. You can also plot more than one function at the same time.
Of course, another big advantage is that if you put in a function without saying "plot",
Wolfram|Alpha will not only plot it for you, but also show you how to solve it,
integrate it, etc.